Randy Miller Resigns as Chair of NorCo Police Chiefs

On April 9, former Northampton County Sheriff and Bethlehem Police Commissioner Randy Miller stepped down as Chair of the County Police Chiefs' Association. He did so after hearing that Executive John Brown refuses to work with him or any group in which he's involved. Rather than jeopardize the Police Chiefs' Association, Miller stepped down.

If what Miller heard is true, that is a bush league move. But Miller has reacted with the class and dignity he brought to his office and department.

For the past three years, I have taken great pride in leading this esteemed organization. It has been an honor and a privilege working with each and every one of you, and I feel it is my duty to explain the circumstances of my resignation. On March 14, 2014, I was contacted by a fellow chief and member who had recently met with the current Northampton County Executive, John Brown. This member informed me that Mr. Brown explicitly stated he would not work or meet with any committee that I was a part of, and if I participated in future endeavors it would compromise any involvement Mr. Brown or the county has in rectifying the current precarious situation with the Central Booking Center (CBC). As you know, I have and will continue to always put the safety of our community and fellow law enforcement members above any personal interests or opinions. If Mr. Brown feels that my presence in this association is more detrimental than the current issues that need to be resolved with the CBC, then I am willing to – albeit reluctantly – remove myself as to not hinder any future work or advancements this association is working towards. Despite his abrupt and unfounded act of removing me from the position of Northampton County Sheriff earlier this year, I will continue striving towards the utmost professionalism in all my endeavors. I would have welcomed a meeting to work with Mr. Brown as representative of this association on this issue or any other. However, it is abundantly clear that Mr. Brown does not feel the same. The Northampton County Chiefs Association may not be a county-run organization but I understand, as do all of you, cooperation and collaboration with the county and its representatives is key to our success. While I disagree with his stance, I recognize Mr. Brown as an important stakeholder in achieving this association’s goals. Unfortunately, he feels my role as part of the association will only handicap our working with the county going forward.

After 30 years in law enforcement and 15 years as an active member of this organization, this is not an easy decision for me to make, but I recognize the needs of the association and all our officers and deputies must take precedence over any personal issues.

I whole-heartedly thank you for the honor of being elected as your chairman for the past three years. I wish each and every one of you continued success in all of your endeavors and look forward to once again participating in the association if I obtain a future chief’s position in our county.

Sheriff Miller Needs Six Deputies

When a Sheriff tells you he needs more people, it's hard to say No. I found that out years ago, when Council balked at then Sheriff Jeff Hawbecker's request for more manpower. All he had to do was say the magic word - Columbine - and he got everything he wanted.

Northampton County Sheriff Randy Miller told Council last night that he needs six more full-time deputies Currently, he has 59, as well as 14 part-time deputies. In Lehigh County, Sheriff Miller stated there are nearly 90 deputies. Miller told Council that his staff is so busy that even the part-timers are working 40-hour weeks. Because everyone is tied up in court, there's no time to train. They are now transporting juveniles, something that has only started in recent years. He also noted that Sheriffs are falling behind in serving process, opening the door to private service processors.

One complication for the Sheriff is that there is a 13% call off rate among deputies, i.e. deputies who call in sick or take personal time with only one days notice. This means there is a 1 in 9 possibility that a Deputy assigned to a particular task that day will call off. Miller stated that issue is being addressed in contract negotiations. But this high call off rate might also be an indication that deputies are overwhelmed..

Council's Personnel Committee headed by Ken Kraft unanimously voted to move Sheriff Miller's request forward.  Kraft did note that, starting next year, this will increase personnel costs by $500,000.

The Sheriff stated that Deputies will be hired within two weeks of Council's approval.